'She Has A Loving, Helping Heart': Crystal Lake Hero

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL — When times are tough, heroes emerge. One year into this pandemic, we've seen how so many local community members have stepped up to help those in need during these tough times.

Last year, we launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes. Together with Ring, we've worked to let all your neighbors know about these outstanding people and their stories.

This submission comes from Nikki Rutzen who nominated her friend, Mary Pershcke of Crystal Lake.

• Name: Mary Perschke
• Hero's job: Business
• Reason for recognition: Mary has been so helpful to so many people in this community including myself. She has had birthday signs delivered, organized birthday parades, baked 3 meals for my family when I had surgery, she has grocery shopped for friends, too.
• One thing to know: She has a helping, loving heart.

Thank you for all you do, Mary Perschke!

>> Do YOU have a local hero you would like us to know about? Share their story here. Read about other heroes from across Illinois here.